What is there to do in Semur-en-Auxois? Far more than a stopover: one of the most beautiful medieval towns in Burgundy, to be discovered on foot — and our house is your starting point.
Perched on a pink-granite ridge and encircled by the Armançon, the town lines up ramparts, round towers, cobbled lanes and half-timbered houses. It is explored on foot — half a day for the essentials, or over a weekend to range out across the Auxois. Having stayed off Burgundy's main tourist trails, it can be discovered without the queues — and its Sunday market remains, first and foremost, the locals' own. Here, as hosts of the place, is what to see and to know.
24 hours or a weekend in Semur.
In 24 hours — a morning in the old town and the collegiate church, lunch in the centre, an afternoon along the ramparts to the Pont Joly, then an aperitif in the garden of the house. On Sundays, start with the market.
Over a weekend — keep one day for the town and the museum, and a second to venture out: Fontenay Abbey, Flavigny-sur-Ozerain, or a Burgundy wine tasting arranged by the house.
The great occasions.
Spring is Semur's festive high season. La Fête de la Bague, on 31 May, has kept alive since the Middle Ages one of the oldest horse races in France; the medieval festival fills the lanes with costume from 8 to 10 May 2026. All year round, the Sunday market (8 am – 1 pm) remains the locals' meeting point.
These weekends are in high demand: book your accommodation well in advance.
The town's must-sees.
The Notre-Dame collegiate church
A Gothic masterpiece of the 13th–14th centuries, with its stained glass, its tympanum and its celebrated Entombment. 280 m from Maison Jazey — a 4-minute walk.
The ramparts & the Tour de l'Orle d'Or
The medieval keep and its four round pink-granite towers command the Armançon. The walk around the three defensive walls follows the fortifications.
The Pont Joly
The postcard view of the towers and old town reflected in the river — the shot not to miss, especially in the evening light.
The old town
The Sauvigny and Guillier gates, the rue Chaude, old houses and shops: wander without a map, following the cobbles and the viewpoints.
The museum of Semur
Fine arts (Corot, Boilly), natural sciences and archaeology in the former convent of the Jacobines — a five-minute walk.
The questions we're asked.
Where can you park in Semur-en-Auxois?
Free car parks ring the old town, which is explored on foot. At Maison Jazey, secure private parking is included within the walls of the property — a rarity in the heart of the medieval town.
What day is the market?
The Semur-en-Auxois market is held on Sunday, from 8 am to 1 pm: local produce, fresh fruit and vegetables, and the atmosphere of a Burgundian town.
How long do you need to visit?
Allow half a day for the town on foot (collegiate church, ramparts, old town, the Pont Joly viewpoint). Over a weekend, add the museum, the Lac de Pont and an outing into the Auxois.
Where to eat in Semur-en-Auxois?
Restaurants, bistros and patisseries are all within walking distance: see our selection in our addresses. Our concierge service is glad to book your table. As for the terroir, Burgundy is also tasted by the glass: for its guests, the house arranges a Premier Cru tasting.
Venturing across the Auxois and Burgundy.
Fontenay Abbey
UNESCO · 30 min
The oldest surviving Cistercian abbey in the world.
DiscoverFlavigny-sur-Ozerain
One of France's Most Beautiful Villages · 15 min
A perched medieval village, anise-sweet maker and setting of the film Chocolat.
DiscoverLac de Pont
Nature · 5 min
Swimming, pedalos and lakeside walks on the doorstep of Semur.
DiscoverAll the heritage
Alésia, Bussy-Rabutin, Châteauneuf, Vézelay…
UNESCO sites, châteaux and the most beautiful villages of the Auxois.
DiscoverSleep a stone's throw from everything
Maison Jazey puts you up in an hôtel particulier, a private mansion in the heart of the town: everything is within walking distance, secure parking included. Book direct for the best rate guaranteed.
See our rooms